Vyacheslav Kravtsov expressed his readiness to help the Ukrainian national basketball team in the upcoming World Cup pre-qualification matches. The 37-year-old veteran shared his thoughts about the team's preparation and prospects in an interview.
"I'm ready to help the national team – it's the main motivation for me," – stated Kravtsov, who has been a mainstay in Ukraine's frontcourt for years.
The experienced center believes that the matches against Switzerland and Slovakia will be particularly challenging. According to him, groups where teams are of similar level are the most difficult to navigate.
"I expect it to be very difficult. The toughest groups are those where teams are almost at the same level. It won't be about skill, but experience and concentration for each game. You need great desire. The hardest matches are with teams of the same level," – Kravtsov explained.
Regarding the team's performance in the EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers, the veteran pointed to significant roster changes as a contributing factor. He noted that while young players show potential, they lack the necessary experience.
"When the team performs well, the roster barely changes, just two or three players at most. In recent years, the national team has changed significantly. Veterans are gradually stepping away, and perhaps the young players feel insecure, lack experience, or get nervous," – he observed.
Kravtsov also shared his impressions of newcomers in the team's frontcourt. He was particularly impressed with Novytskyi, whom he predicts has a great future. About Sypalo, he said: "He reminds me of myself at his age. He understands the game and timing." As for Klychko, Kravtsov believes he has the size but still needs time to reach a professional level.
Interestingly, Kravtsov hasn't yet spoken with returning coach Ainars Bagatskis, who previously worked with the team. The veteran expressed no concerns about the coaching change, stating: "It's life. Coaches change. I'm on good terms with everyone, so I can't say much on this topic. A new coach has come, we need to work with him."
Kravtsov echoed the sentiments of Ukrainian Basketball Federation president Mykhailo Brodsky regarding player commitment to the national team. He expressed hope that all invited players will join the summer camp, allowing the coach to select the strongest possible roster.
Ukraine will compete in Group A against Slovakia and Switzerland, with the top two teams advancing to the main World Cup qualification. Their campaign begins with an away game in Switzerland on August 6, followed by nominally home matches against Slovakia (August 9) and Switzerland (August 16), before concluding with an away game in Slovakia on August 20.
Will Ukraine manage to field its strongest possible lineup for this crucial tournament? The veteran center certainly hopes so.
